Western Balkans University organized a solemn ceremony on the occasion of awarding the academic title “Doctor Honoris Causa” to Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, in recognition of his visionary leadership and extraordinary contribution to global well-being, social inclusion, and human dignity.
The ceremony took place at the premises of Western Balkans University in the presence of academic and diplomatic representatives. Among the guests of honor were the Ambassador of Albania to Japan, H.E. Mr. Ermal Muça, the Ambassador of Japan to Albania, H.E. Mrs. Kikuko Kato, rectors of several universities, as well as representatives from the academic community.
In the opening speech, Dr. Ornela Çuçi, Advisor for International Relations at Western Balkans University, emphasized the importance of this moment not only for the institution itself, but also for the role it plays as a bridge of international cooperation and promoter of universal values.
Meanwhile, the Rector of WBU, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, praised Mr. Sasakawa’s outstanding contribution, highlighting his over four-decade commitment to the fight against leprosy and the discrimination of those affected, as well as his continued dedication to the empowerment of people with disabilities in all areas of life.
Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ermal Muça offered a diplomatic perspective on the relations between Albania and Japan, emphasizing that personalities like Mr. Sasakawa are bridges between cultures and inspirational models for international cooperation in service of humanity.
Whereas the Japanese Ambassador, Mrs. Kikuko Kato, appreciated the Albanian hospitality and underlined the importance that Japan attaches to figures who embody the human ideal. She considered this title, dedicated to the President of the Nippon Foundation, as an act that goes beyond academic recognition and rightly represents Mr. Sasakawa’s role in global impact.
For his closing speech, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa delivered an emotional and inspiring one, sharing his life journey—from a childhood marked by loss and post-war hardship to a life devoted to humanitarian causes and the protection of human dignity. He expressed his gratitude for this special honor and conveyed powerful messages to the youth about the role of empathy, purpose, and action in building a better world.
Born in Tokyo in 1939, Yohei Sasakawa dedicated his life to humanism after two decades in entrepreneurship. He has worked closely with the World Health Organization, governments, and international organizations for the elimination of leprosy and the protection of the rights of those affected. One of his most significant achievements was the 2008 UN resolution, unanimously adopted, which condemns discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their families—a historic moment in the defense of human dignity.
The ceremony took place at the premises of Western Balkans University in the presence of academic and diplomatic representatives. Among the guests of honor were the Ambassador of Albania to Japan, H.E. Mr. Ermal Muça, the Ambassador of Japan to Albania, H.E. Mrs. Kikuko Kato, rectors of several universities, as well as representatives from the academic community.
In the opening speech, Dr. Ornela Çuçi, Advisor for International Relations at Western Balkans University, emphasized the importance of this moment not only for the institution itself, but also for the role it plays as a bridge of international cooperation and promoter of universal values.
Meanwhile, the Rector of WBU, Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, praised Mr. Sasakawa’s outstanding contribution, highlighting his over four-decade commitment to the fight against leprosy and the discrimination of those affected, as well as his continued dedication to the empowerment of people with disabilities in all areas of life.
Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ermal Muça offered a diplomatic perspective on the relations between Albania and Japan, emphasizing that personalities like Mr. Sasakawa are bridges between cultures and inspirational models for international cooperation in service of humanity.
Whereas the Japanese Ambassador, Mrs. Kikuko Kato, appreciated the Albanian hospitality and underlined the importance that Japan attaches to figures who embody the human ideal. She considered this title, dedicated to the President of the Nippon Foundation, as an act that goes beyond academic recognition and rightly represents Mr. Sasakawa’s role in global impact.
For his closing speech, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa delivered an emotional and inspiring one, sharing his life journey—from a childhood marked by loss and post-war hardship to a life devoted to humanitarian causes and the protection of human dignity. He expressed his gratitude for this special honor and conveyed powerful messages to the youth about the role of empathy, purpose, and action in building a better world.
Born in Tokyo in 1939, Yohei Sasakawa dedicated his life to humanism after two decades in entrepreneurship. He has worked closely with the World Health Organization, governments, and international organizations for the elimination of leprosy and the protection of the rights of those affected. One of his most significant achievements was the 2008 UN resolution, unanimously adopted, which condemns discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their families—a historic moment in the defense of human dignity.
